BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Chapter 1165: Ten Days Later



Ten days passed in a blur. While Mira, Amber, and Emily spent most of their time training and making neural links, Erik and the Chimaeric Demons organized the movement of resources.

He contacted Jabir, requesting him to produce and transport stimulating serums and equipment to Sleb Harbor.

Erik and the others reached the place the previous day. It took a whole day flying with the Chimaeric Demons, but there weren't alternatives to that. It was not safe by any means, but at least this was a silent and hard-to-notice transportation mean.

In the end, Erik thought about what Mira said and tried asking for planes. He sent a request to Becker through Caiden, but unfortunately, the man had to decline the request, much to Erik's disappointment.

There was more to Becker's refusal than what Erik had told the girls ten days earlier. He hadn't declined because of reluctance to help Erik reach Mur or defeat the blackguards.

The problem was that enemy artillery was still present inside the nation, and unless they took another route to reach Hin, it wasn't possible to send the planes to Maynard Island.

The problem with these other routes was that some were kept under observation by Miciselen, while others were simply too dangerous to cross.

Besides, the planes would have to stop in Hin to refuel, and since the two nations were still technically at war, that wasn't possible.

Deep in an underground tunnel beneath Sleb Harbor, in his base, Erik met with some of the Chimaeric Demons, those overseeing the operations to attack the Law Gate.

The tunnel stretched ahead, its walls showing signs of recent repairs. The attack on Sleb Harbor of some months ago could still be seen everywhere around the city.

Following the battle against Levium, most tunnels had collapsed and needed repairs. Luckily, Erik's control over Hin's government made the reconstruction process straightforward, but it still was essentially for everyone to not realize where Erik's base in Sleb Harbor was.

"How are the preparations proceeding?"

One of the Chimaeric Demons stepped forward and strode on Erik's left side. "We're transporting the last Thaid corpses to the Law Gate through our tunnel network. The operation is running smoothly, for now at least, though the volume strains our human resources."

Another clone spoke up. "Almost all sixty thousand troops reached their positions. However, the tunnels proved insufficient to house every Chimaeric Demon. Many had to establish camps outside."

That was a problem.

Erik slowed his stride. "Are they keeping distance from the Law Gate? The last thing I want is for them to find out we are going to attack."

"Yes, Master," the clone said. "We let them camp beyond the typical patrol routes. But the blackguards conduct regular sweeps of other areas, so they have been forced to move several times. The risk of detection exists."

"Apart from that, master," another clone said. "If the blackguards were expecting us on Maynard Island, news of the third division commander's defeat must have reached them. They are likely expecting us to attack, and since we had to prepare, we gave them time to do the same."

Erik dismissed the concern. "It matters little now. Perfect timing isn't critical here," he said. "What matters is keeping our movements hidden. The enemy's preparations don't concern me-secrecy is our advantage."

Erik didn't wait for anyone to respond.

"What's important," Erik said, "is not whether they expect us to attack. It's whether they expect us to do it in a week."

He spoke with confidence, showing total faith in their plan.

"They might have fortified their defenses years ago, for all we know and care, but the truth is," he said, "defenses are only as strong as the minds controlling them."

He paused.

"Regardless, our last contingent of troops is going to leave soon, and I'm going, too." He turned to face the group.

"Please arrange transportation for all of us. I want Mira, Amber, and Emily to continue their training without interruption, so make sure they'll have a comfortable journey when we travel."

The Chimaeric Demons nodded.

"What transportation method would be most suitable for this journey, sir?" one clone asked. "We have both aerial and ground options available."

"Ground transport," Erik said. "Flying will draw too much attention. We can't risk detection." The Chimaeric Demon nodded. "We'll coordinate with our brothers. Some can shapeshift into Thaids suitable for a comfortable journey."

"I don't want a ride. Prepare something they can pull, a cart, or something like that." Cars and trucks were going to be more comfortable, but there would be the need to bring fuel with them for the long journey, and, most importantly, they could be detected by the enemy

sensors.

Having the Chimaeric Demons pull a cart would be not only silent, but would help them travel lightly.

The group continued through the tunnel system until they reached a large room. Caiden stood inside, examining a series of maps spread across a makeshift table. He looked up as they

entered.

"Erik," Caiden greeted, straightening. "I wanted to talk to you before you left."

"Me too," Erik said. "How is the situation in Frant?"

Erik went straight to business.

Caiden's expression turned serious. "Our forces are headed to the coast. We are almost there, actually, but the section had been seized by Miciselen's troops when Hin withdrew."

Caiden paused. There was a smile on his face. "Unfortunately for them, they are not as great as Hin in sea warfare, and for them, keeping supply lines through the sea is not easy. Besides, their fleet is not as good as that of Hin, so we are confident we will be able to take the northern shores soon. Aside from that, we're pressing Etrium's forces into the northeastern quadrant. Progress is coming, but the Eldraith Mountain range complicates our strategy."

He paused.

"The Thaids-are they causing problems?"

"Not currently," Caiden said. "Though the war disturbs their territories. We've noticed increased movement among their populations. This also prevents Etrium from retreating, and, well, the only way for them to resist is to trench down."

Erik's eyes narrowed. The Eldraith mountain range, and the monsters inhabiting it, were a

problem.

"Keep the place under observation. The blackguards have a history of driving Thaids from their territories, and they might tell Etrium to use this strategy. Mercenaries are not simple dudes; they are fearless and well trained. If they push the wyverns westward..."

He paused. "Frant would struggle to contain that threat. Worse, you will fall. Even I am not strong enough yet to fight head-on against the thaids there, and wyverns are not the only

ones who worry me."

"Yeah..."

Erik talked about the cerulean bird that killed a black wyvern. Erik made it clear it came from Mur, and that the blackguards pushed it out of its habitat.

Besides, Caiden knew about the third division commander and what she did with the black wyvern. The fact that thing was stronger than Erik, even powered down as it was, had been disturbing news. Of course, Caiden told everything to Becker, who was keeping a close look at

Erik's campaign.

"Anyway," Erik said. "How's the neural link technique working for your forces?"

Caiden's face brightened, his expression reflecting genuine enthusiasm. "It's incredible," he said, with sparkling eyes.

"Although we've only introduced it to a select handful of our most promising soldiers so far, even these early stages of training have shown potential beyond what we thought was

possible."

"Have you tried it yourself? Amber pestered me for making you learn it."

Caiden laughed.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Oh, yeah!" Caiden grinned. "I've been playing around with it and even made some neural

links-got a couple under my belt now. It's honestly mind-blowing how well it works." He

scratched his head.

"Where'd you pick up something this cool?"

"I made it," Erik said.

Caiden's jaw dropped. "No wonder you've gotten this strong so fast! This technique is

absolutely insane..." He let out a low whistle.

Erik nodded but couldn't help thinking Caiden's enthusiasm was a little weird. It was... out of

character, to say the least. After all, Erik was his daughter's boyfriend, and well... He had never

been particularly warm with him.

The technique must have made him feel like a kid receiving a Christmas gift, making him drop

his usual guarded and stern demeanor.

"Remember, give it only to those you trust completely. The blackguards can't get this

technique. Their dual wielders are likely to grow in numbers, and if they get the technique,

then we will lose this war. Of this I'm sure."

He paused.

"The only thing that kept the war in balance was the fact they didn't have a good training technique. Imagine what would happen if they got mine. This is not like the one they stole in

Etrium."

"Yeah, I get it. Anyway, we are maintaining strict control over its distribution," Caiden said.

"We are not giving it to everyone."

"Good. Don't forget-Frant still has many criminals and blackguard sympathizers; keep all of

this as much of a secret as you can."

The man nodded.